Accessibility and inclusion is so much more than what we build into our physical environment. It is a collective positive energy and attitude felt upon entering any environment. It transcends directly from the heart and creates a feeling of belonging and freedom. This powerful and open mindset towards full integration inspires meaningful and authentic connections with one another, enriching the lives of EVERYONE along its path.

In an environment that is composed of obstacles, be it in nature or various buildings and facilities, creating a user friendly experience that gives ease to everyone involved, regardless of their accessibility requirements, is essential. Whether it’s individual daily planning, creating itineraries specifically for a family member’s visit, or including your best friend in fun and exciting group experiences, it is normal to feel anxious and uncertain about the barriers that will arise throughout the day. It can be overwhelming for anyone planning a trip when mobility considerations are necessary. This blog aims to relieve the worry and concern to ensure we can all overcome accessible obstacles while exploring the Thompson Okanagan.

Accessibility and Inclusion in the Thompson Okanagan region and throughout British Columbia has become the main focus and topic of conversation in the tourism industry.  The BC Tourism Ministry identified that “making tourism more accessible & inclusive for all” is one of their top priorities. Through these efforts, making the planning process less daunting for people to travel individually or together with family and friends, regardless of the accessible features a person requires to participate fully, is a goal we are striving to achieve.

The Thompson Okanagan is known for its breathtaking scenery and abundance of orchards, vineyards and agriculture. With these foundations, there are a plentiful amount of places to choose from when exploring the region.

Row Fourteen / Restaurant at Klippers in Cawston is a cidery and restaurant that serves dishes such as Dry Aged Cheeseburger, Dry Aged Beef Tartar, and Potato and Arugula Frittata. Not only are their dishes to die for, but their facility is also very open and spacious, which means easy for everyone to move around and enjoy their dining experience. Access from the parking lot to the main entrance is concrete and level, and door access thresholds don’t exist here! 

The wide and flat walkway of Wharf Park in Naramata borders the Okanagan lake and ends at the Old Train Docks at Mill Bay.  The renovated docks were originally the critical access point for the Naramata Fruit Packinghouse. This park is a relaxing and accessible walk/wheel with lots of benches and trees along the way to sit back and enjoy the beautiful lake and mountain vista views that surround it.  

Also in Naramata is the over 100-year-old Naramata Inn, a culinary experience you will not want to miss! Here at the Inn, they have found the best of the Okanagan's natural bounty and put it all in one place. 

If you're considering an overnight stay in the Naramata area, consider the very accessible and inclusive Naramata Centre. There, you will find easy access to the lake, many wineries, and the KVR trestles. If you're ready for a KVR biking adventure, head north on the KVR towards scenic Chute Lake and be sure to include a stop for lunch or dinner at the Chute Lake Lodge. The food is fabulous, and the staff are welcoming and ready to assist in any way they can. 

If you seek the more adventurous adaptive experiences, including Mountain Biking, Kayaking and Adventure hiking, then look no further than CRIS Adaptive Adventures and Kootenay Adaptive Sports Association. 

They offer rental equipment and bespoke assistance to ensure that everyone can participate in outdoor recreation, regardless of their ability. In a world of possibilities, this statement really does prove to be true when discussing these two incredible organizations!

There is rich history and culture to be discovered when exploring the Thompson Okanagan. Learn about the mining, fur trade and railroads that shaped this area's past at the museums in Midway and Greenwood. Listen to the stories about the first Japanese internment camp in the smallest city in Canada, Greenwood. Both of these museums offer a seamless accessible experience from beginning to end.

Plan an overnight stay for the whole family or with all your friends at Mile Zero of the KVR in the new Bunkhouse, also at the Kettle River Museum (Call ahead to make reservations). The Bunkhouse has six rooms and two shared bathrooms with showers, one which is wheelchair accessible with a wheel-in shower. There is a full kitchen and a large common living area for mingling and relaxing together.

Art culture is alive and thriving in Grand Forks at Gallery 2, where everyone will enjoy an accessible and inclusive gallery experience. In the same building as the art gallery, you will find the Grand Forks Visitor Centre. Be sure to pick up a guide of the artisan studios and a map to a self-guided tour of the artistic murals throughout the flat, level and very accessible downtown area.

The Thompson Okanagan is a world-class destination for wine and cider tasting with several varieties to taste and experience. Wineries and cideries, like Upside Cidery, have created their spaces to be open and accommodating, and many are becoming more aware that lower tasting bars are essential in creating an inclusive and accessible experience. Offering seated tastings at tables is also becoming very popular. This is a great option for larger groups and people who prefer to be seated while tasting. 

There are wineries galore to visit in the South Okanagan region to warrant an extended visit to ensure you have time to see them all. The Coast Oliver Hotel, Watermark Beach Resort, Hester Creek Villas, and Burrowing Owl Guest House all offer accessible accommodations. Calling ahead to confirm that they have the accessible features required is always recommended. 

In between wine tastings, plan to visit the Osoyoos Desert Centre. At the interpretive facility, learn about desert ecology and ecosystems in this area, then head out together and enjoy a user-friendly, leisurely and relaxing stroll along the boardwalk that winds through the fragrant sagebrush desert. 

Although physical environments around the world may never be completely accessible, we can create an emotional connection where acceptance, integration and inclusion can ignite the realization and the understanding of “why” our physical spaces need to be accessible. Efforts to change attitudes and create barrier-free physical spaces by individuals and business owners like those listed above, can go a long way in creating an inclusive environment and welcoming atmosphere.

To some degree and at some point in everyone’s life, we will all require an accessible feature to continue our adventures alongside family and friends. Some of these requirements are more apparent than others, but we all have them. Therefore, why not make it our collective responsibility to support and uplift everyone in our communities regardless of their age, ability, gender or culture. Let’s begin with an accessible and inclusive attitude and mindset, allowing that to be the catalyst towards building and creating physical environments that are accessible and inclusive for everyone to enjoy.

Click here if you want to learn more about how to make your space accessible to all.